To become a physical therapist, earn a bachelor’s degree with the prerequisites, gain experience in a physical therapy setting, complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program from an accredited school, pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and get a license in your state.
The DPT typically takes 3 years after your bachelor’s degree.
AdvertisementBelow are the 7 steps, a requirements table, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) pay and job facts, resume tips and a checklist.
These are national facts, so check each school and your state licensing board for their rules.
How to Become a Physical Therapist in 7 Steps
Quick jump: What PTs doBachelor’s degreeExperienceDPT programNPTEState licenseResidency
Step 1. Learn What Physical Therapists Do
The BLS says physical therapists review medical histories, assess movement, build individual plans of care, use exercise and hands-on therapy to reduce pain and improve mobility, track progress and teach patients and families. Most work on their feet and lift patients, so stamina matters. Visit a clinic or ask to shadow a therapist before you commit.
Step 2. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree With the Prerequisites
DPT programs typically require a bachelor’s degree and prerequisite courses such as anatomy, chemistry and physics, according to the BLS. Coursera adds that your major does not have to be physical therapy, and that programs often ask for biology, physiology, psychology and statistics, a minimum GPA and sometimes a GRE score. Check each program’s list.
Step 3. Gain Experience in a Physical Therapy Setting
Coursera notes that many programs want paid or volunteer experience in a physical therapy setting. Observation hours in a clinic, hospital or nursing home show the admissions team that you know the work. Keep a log of your dates, hours and what you learned.
Step 4. Choose a CAPTE-Accredited DPT Program
The BLS says entry requires a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program, typically lasting 3 years, with supervised clinical work such as acute care and orthopedic care. The licensing exam requires a degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) or education judged equivalent. Coursera reports CAPTE’s 2023 median total cost of $73,973 for a public in-state program and $124,664 for a private program, so compare total costs.
Step 5. Pass the NPTE
The National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is run by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). Candidates must be at least 18, hold a CAPTE-accredited degree (or an equivalent), register and pay the fee, and be approved by the licensing authority of the state where they want to be licensed. FSBPT limits testing to three consecutive times in 12 months and six times in a lifetime at each exam level.
Step 6. Get Your State License
The BLS says all states require physical therapists to be licensed. Licensure requires passing a qualifying exam, and some states also require a law exam and a criminal background check. Continuing education is typically required to keep your license. Apply to the licensing board in the state where you plan to work.
Step 7. Consider a Residency and Board Certification
A clinical residency of about 1 year after graduation is optional, and graduates may pursue an optional fellowship. Board certification in a specialty such as orthopedics, sports or geriatrics is also optional and requires work experience, an exam and clinical work, according to the BLS. Then apply for jobs in clinics, hospitals, patients’ homes or nursing homes.
Typical Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor’s degree with prerequisites, then a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from an accredited program |
| DPT length | Typically 3 years, including supervised clinical education |
| License | Required in all states; passing a qualifying exam is required, and some states add a law exam and background check |
| NPTE age | At least 18 |
| Continuing education | Typically required to keep your license |
| Residency and board certification | Optional |
How Long It Takes
Most people spend 6 to 7 years in school before they can take the NPTE. Your own timeline depends on the program you choose.
| Path | About how long | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree plus DPT | About 7 years | Coursera |
| 3+3 program (3 years of undergraduate study, then a 3-year DPT) | About 6 years | Coursera |
| DPT program alone | Typically 3 years | BLS |
| Optional residency | About 1 year | BLS |
Physical Therapist Job Facts From the BLS
These are national figures, and your pay will vary by state, setting and experience. Nothing here is a promise of income.
| Fact (BLS, physical therapists) | Detail |
|---|---|
| Median pay (May 2025) | $102,760 a year ($49.40 an hour) |
| Lowest 10% earned | Less than $77,140 |
| Highest 10% earned | More than $135,140 |
| Jobs, 2025 | About 283,700 |
| Projected growth, 2025 to 2035 | 12% (much faster than average), about 33,800 jobs |
| Average openings a year | About 13,400 |
| Work settings | Private offices and clinics, hospitals, patients’ homes and nursing homes |
| Hours | Mostly full time, normal business hours, with some evening or weekend work |
Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant?
Some people start as an assistant or aide to learn the field before deciding on a DPT. Compare the two paths.
| Compare | Physical therapist | Physical therapist assistant |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Assesses patients, plans care and oversees assistants and aides | Works under a physical therapist’s supervision to help patients regain movement and manage pain |
| 2025 median pay (BLS) | $102,760 | $61,200 |
| License | Required in all states | Check your state’s rules |
Skills Physical Therapists Need
The BLS lists communication skills, compassion, attention to detail, dexterity, physical stamina, resourcefulness and time-management skills. Show these on your resume with real examples and numbers.
How to Show Your Experience on a Resume
If you are applying to a DPT program or a first job, use school, volunteer work and observation hours. Use only numbers you can back up.
| Resume section | What to add |
|---|---|
| Summary | Your compassion, reliability and one result with a number, such as hours helping patients |
| Education | Degree, school, expected graduation year and GPA |
| Certifications | CPR and first aid, each with the year |
| Skills | Communication, patient care, stamina, attention to detail, time management |
| Volunteer Work | One role with five numbered bullets, such as helping about 12 patients a shift in a clinic |
| Additional Information | Languages, availability, driver’s license |
Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a program that is not CAPTE-accredited. The licensing exam requires an accredited degree or an equivalent.
- Skipping prerequisites. Check each program’s course list early.
- Comparing only tuition. Add fees, housing and clinical costs.
- Ignoring your state’s rules. Licensing requirements, law exams and background checks vary.
- Waiting to gain experience. Many programs want paid or volunteer hours.
- Typos on your resume or application. Proofread twice.
Physical Therapist Checklist
Tick each item as you finish. You are on track when the counter reaches 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do you need to become a physical therapist?
The BLS says the typical entry-level education is a doctoral or professional degree: a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from an accredited program. Programs typically require a bachelor’s degree and prerequisite courses first.
How long does it take to become a physical therapist?
The BLS says DPT programs typically last 3 years. Coursera estimates about 7 years in total with a bachelor’s degree first, or about 6 years in a 3+3 program.
Does my bachelor’s have to be in physical therapy?
No. Coursera says the major does not have to be physical therapy, though biology, chemistry and physiology are common. You do need the program’s prerequisites, such as anatomy, chemistry and physics.
How much does a DPT program cost?
Coursera reports CAPTE’s 2023 median total cost of $73,973 for a public in-state program and $124,664 for a private program. Out-of-state programs cost more, and fees and living costs are extra.
What is the NPTE?
It is the National Physical Therapy Examination, run by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) says passing it is required to become a licensed physical therapist in the U.S. and that it is one part of the evaluation process used by licensing authorities.
Who can take the NPTE, and how many times?
FSBPT says you must be at least 18, hold a CAPTE-accredited degree or an equivalent and be approved by your licensing jurisdiction. You cannot test more than three consecutive times in 12 months or more than six times in your lifetime at each exam level.
Do all states require a license?
Yes. The BLS says all states require physical therapists to be licensed. Some states also require a law exam and a criminal background check, and continuing education is typically required to keep the license.
Is a residency required?
No. The BLS says a clinical residency of about 1 year is optional, and a fellowship after it is also optional. Board certification in a specialty is optional too.
How much do physical therapists earn?
The BLS reports a May 2025 median of $102,760 a year. The lowest 10% earned less than $77,140 and the highest 10% more than $135,140. Pay varies by state, setting and experience, and nothing here is a promise of income.
What is the difference between a physical therapist and an assistant?
The BLS says physical therapist assistants work under a physical therapist’s supervision and help patients regain movement and manage pain. Their 2025 median pay is $61,200, compared with $102,760 for physical therapists.
Conclusion
Becoming a physical therapist takes clear steps: complete the prerequisites, gain experience, finish an accredited DPT, pass the NPTE and get your state license. Start by shadowing a therapist and checking program requirements, then use the checklist above to stay on track.
Related Reading
- Physical therapist resume summary examples
- Physical therapist cover letter samples
- Physical therapist resume objective examples
- Physical therapist assistant job description, skills and salary
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Physical Therapists (May 2025 pay, 2025 jobs, 2025 to 2035 projections, education, licensure, qualities); Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, NPTE Eligibility Requirements; American Physical Therapy Association, About the National Physical Therapy Examination; Coursera, How to Become a Physical Therapist (program timelines and CAPTE 2023 median costs).